For the new model year, Moto Guzzi is bringing three variations of its V7 line to the United States with includes the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, and 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Special. Based around the Italian company’s revised 750cc 90° longitudinally mounted v-twin motor, all three models also sport a cardan-shaft drive and double-cradle “Tonti” frame, for that classic Guzzi retro look.

The three Moto Guzzi V7 models should be popular with riders who are looking for a throw-back aesthetic, with a bit more modern engineering. That being said, Moto Guzzi has struggled for traction in the US market, due in part to an inadequate supply/support chain, but also because of some confusing marketing and segment placement.

While the Piaggio Group subsidiary struggles to find its identity, we think the company should further explore bikes like the V7, which provides a unique alternative to the standard modern-bike fare, and creates a bit of distance between Moto Guzzi and the rest of the Piaggio Group line-up.

2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone:

A completely new version designed to appeal to younger riders, complete with a competitive price point; trendy, agile, easy to customize with an array of accessories. The V7 Stone features the new and more powerful, 750cc, 90-degree V-Twin motor and new lightweight, six split-spoke alloy wheels. The simple color scheme combined with the six split spoke wheels enhance the chrome accents and make the Stone the ideal foil for a wide variety of Moto Guzzi accessories. The matte black or pure white tank and the chrome accents make the V7 Stone a showstopper on the road or at any café, bike night or local hot spot. The 2013 V7 Stone is available in Matte Black and Pure White. MSRP is $8,390 and will be available in mid-October at Moto Guzzi dealerships across the United States.

2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer:

The 2013 V7 Racer is an ode to café racer motorcycles from the ‘50s and ‘60s with the performance of a modern machine. The V7 Racer has a new 750cc, 90-degree V-Twin motor with increased torque, horsepower and throttle response for an enjoyable ride. The new V7 Racer features a myriad of unique style attributes—from a chrome fuel metal tank studded with red Moto Guzzi badges and finished with a handsome leather strap, to a suede leather seat with an aerodynamic seat cowl and ‘70s-style racer number plates. The V7 Racer is perfect for an adventurous rider with an eye for design and a wild streak. The 2013 V7 Racer is available in Chrome. MSRP is $9,990 and will be available at Moto Guzzi dealerships across the United States in early-October.

2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Special:

This is the closest to the original 1969 V7 Special, not only because it shares its name with the first V7 signed by Lino Tonti, but because it faithfully cites the same riding philosophy – that of a touring bike with a sophisticated fit and finish and uniquely “Guzzi” engine character. The new engine, significantly stronger in driving torque and especially in maximum power, which is increased by 12%, is perfectly suited for medium range touring and contributes to low fuel consumption and greater tank capacity with 5.8 gallons for an average range of 310 miles.

Just like its predecessor, it is wrapped in a two-tone paint scheme and equipped with aluminum spoked wheels reducing unsprung weight and improving handling. The V7 Special proves a worthy touring machine with bags and windshield, accessories which go well with the overall design of the V7 Special. The V7 Special is available in White/Red Metallic and Yellow/Black Metallic. MSRP is $8,990 and will be available in quarter 1 of 2013 at Moto Guzzi dealerships across the United States.

I really like the V7 racer but I would not live with it. From the other two, while I like the two-tone paint from the classic, it’s the stone that would win my heart. I’m absolutely sure the solid wheels will make it a better ride than the spoked wheels from the classic, but even then I absolutely love spoked wheels… The shaft drive is a real plus for me because I don’t like taking care of a chain. It’s not supposed to be long but I’m not good at it, it takes me a while, it’s messy, I must bring two cans of stuff and a little brush, I don’t like that. But I will not get anywhere near these bikes until I see a serious bonneville and V7 comparo. And not the T100 bonnie, the standard one or maybe the SE model. That and I’m still on the lookout on the used market for a good GT 1000 even though I don’t really have the money right now…

Gary

Come on Moto Guzzi, offer the darn thing in a 1200 alreeady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.mieuwsmotor.nl Iwan

So, what’s 2013 about them? This is just the model as it’s already sold this tear, isn’t it?

Johndo

Just love the V7 Stone….

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com Jensen Beeler

Iwan, you Europeans have been having all the fun with the V7. The news item here isn’t something new with the bikes, it’s that they are coming to the USA.

Richard Gozinya

About damn time. Now if we could only get a V12 LeMans, but I won’t hold my breath.

Johndo

Yeah the V12 LeMans is one of the nicest concepts I’ve seen…At around 14000$ or less I’d pick one up for sure.

Damo

Kinda pricey for something that is much slower than any Bonneville model and it a bit more maintenance intensive. I mean the Bonnie is over a grand less (almost two grand less than the top model) and has about 30 more horsies.

(Admittedly the Guzzi is MUCH better looking.)

Franxou

@Damo, Is it seriously that much less powerful? I know that the bonneville is fast enough to be fun but is still slow compared to a lot of bikes with its 67hp/53ft-lb… Right now I have an old vulcan750 that is dumb fast for a cruiser (weird, right?) and it’s spec’d less than the bonnie… But if the guzzi feels any less powerful than the bonnie, it’s going to be as slow as a royal enfield? Otherwise for looks it’s everyone’s guess, I prefer the bonnie and in fact I believe the GT1000 is leagues better than those two.

http://www.living-intentionally.com/ Trane Francks

“Is it seriously that much less powerful?”

I think the V7 Racer pops out 48 ponies. That’s about as understressed as you can possibly make it.

I want to like these. I really do. Alas, what I want is something that looks like a Daytona 1000 or MGS-01. A “Daytona V7″, even with 48 ponies, would be sorely tempting. Make it beautiful. Make it handle well on real-world roads.

And, for the love of god, keep the word “trendy” out of the damn ad copy!

(The GT1000 Duc is light years better looking I agree, it also leaves these two in the fuggin dust performance wise.)

http://www.living-intentionally.com/ Trane Francks

@Damo:

Is that 38.7 hp measured at the wheel? The US specs out at 50 ponies @ 6200 rpm. The Canadian model runs 48.8 hp @ 6800 rpm. (Odd differences, aren’t they?)

In any case, these aren’t 100+ hp/litre beasts by any stretch of the imagination.

Damo

@Trane

That is actual tested wheel horsepower taken directly from Cycle World October 2012 issue.

http://www.living-intentionally.com/ Trane Francks

@Damo:

Thanks for the clarification. Seems the drivetrain really soaks up a lot of the good stuff.

It’s worth noting that 14.35 quarter matches what an RD400F Daytona Special did back in 1979. Progress! ROTFL

Damo

@Trane

Yeah I know, right?

At least on the Bonnie you can still out run a decent crop of cars in a straight drag.

In terms of modern retro the Ducati GT1000 still takes the prize: 91Hp (at the crank), 0-60 in 4.0 seconds, 1/4 mile = 11.9

I still have no idea why Ducati stopped making it, such hot little cycle.

Franxou

@Damo well Ducati doesn’t give a rat’s ass about heritage except for their L-twin configuration, so as soon as the bike didn’t sell well enough it was the end. It is sad because it really was a classic with modern performance, and a good example can still fetch “new bonnie” prices.

So to sum it up, I like the bonnie (except the T100), I want to like the V7stone and V7racer but hhmmmmm no, and the GT1000 is the best in its class, though not in prod anymore…

Any though about the Royal Enfield racer? I sat on one at the bike show last year and I really like it, it felt really small and I like a big single thumper, but the 50’s technology means the performance should be worse than the V7?